Systems and methods for performing programmable smart contract execution

Abstract

Systems and methods related to a fixed pipeline hardware architecture configured to execute smart contracts in an isolated environment separate from a computing processing unit are described herein. Executing a smart contract may comprise performing a set of distributed ledger operations to modify a ledger associated with a decentralized application. The fixed pipeline hardware architecture may comprise and / or be incorporated within a self-contained hardware device comprising electronic circuitry configured to be communicatively coupled or physically attached to a component of a computer system. The hardware device may be specifically programmed to execute, and perform distributed ledger operations associated with, particular smart contracts, or types of smart contracts, that administer different decentralized applications and / or one or more aspects of different decentralized applications.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to systems and methods for processing transaction verification operations in decentralized applications via a fixed pipeline hardware architecture.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Decentralized applications are applications that run on peer-to-peer networks, rather than on a single computer. Transactions associated with decentralized applications are typically processed by nodes (or computers) on the peer-to-peer network based on trustless protocols or a series of validation rules established by the creators of the decentralized application. A critical component of decentralized applications is the manner in which transactions associated with the decentralized application are verified and recorded.[0003]In many decentralized applications, verified transactions and / or other information is committed to a blockchain. Many types of blockchains exist. In general, they are distributed ledgers shared by the nodes on a network to which trans...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a system and method for executing smart contracts in a secure environment separate from a main computer processing unit. The system uses a fixed pipeline hardware architecture that includes electronic circuitry and local memory to perform the necessary operations to modify a decentralized application. The hardware device is specifically programmed to execute different types of smart contracts such as payment transactions and auctions. The execution units within the hardware device are capable of performing all the necessary distributed ledger operations required to execute a smart contract. By executing smart contracts in this isolated environment, the risk of hacking attacks is significantly reduced.

Problems solved by technology

However, recent advances in blockchain-based and blockchain-inspired applications have led to much more complex smart contracts.

Executing these more complex smart contracts involve computationally intensive power-consuming operations that, when performed by a CPU, inhibit the ability of the CPU to perform other operations simultaneously.

Additionally, the execution of smart contracts typically represent the most vulnerable stage of a blockchain-based system.

For example, attacking the system in this way may enable a hacker to withdraw a customer's balance, thus jeopardizing the security of the entire system.

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